Easy way to safely access backup power for home and free (for some PG&E customers)

[dmd3home]

Amazing! Just what I'm looking for. I still can't believe that it works with the Lightning. The GenerLink website clearly states that it doesn't work with a GFCI protected generator (ie, Lightning). Yet you say it does. Keep us posted on any changes or updates to this and hopefully others will contribute their experiences. Thanks

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[GDN]

I found the local sales rep for the DFW area and called today. She confirmed that Oncor won't allow the devices yet, but other carriers around the area have and there are some installed.

She also noted that Generlink is on record as the device not working with the Lightning. The sales rep was somewhat knowledgable so I noted that there is a report here that indeed it does work from one report. I sent Generlink an email too and they didn't address that part of my inquiry.

 

[ctuan13]

This might just be the solution for me, following closely. When I get the chance I'm gonna give their direct line a call and see if they can install in my area (western PA), since there are no representatives listed for PA.

 

[Wsh68]

I found the local sales rep for the DFW area and called today. She confirmed that Oncor won't allow the devices yet, but other carriers around the area have and there are some installed.

She also noted that Generlink is on record as the device not working with the Lightning. The sales rep was somewhat knowledgable so I noted that there is a report here that indeed it does work from one report. I sent Generlink an email too and they didn't address that part of my inquiry.

That’s interesting. I’ve been assuming PG&E is using Generlink products just “white labeling” them as their own. However, I have seen it written that PGE created this device on their own. I simply don’t know but from what I’ve seen and what I have, they look identical. I do know this for a fact, my Lightning powers my house no problem through the device Pg&E installed for me and also at my Mother’s house too. I tested it at my house first and then drove over to here. Her house kept popping breakers on my truck but I discovered it was because she had turned all her electric heaters on in her house during the storm. Once I turned those off the truck easily handled the usual loads from the house. Hope that helps. I’ll look For that article I mentioned. https://www.microgridknowledge.com/...-aims-for-home-resiliency-in-fire-prone-areas

 

[Wsh68]

Here’s a more complete article direct from pg&e. https://www.pgecurrents.com/article...mers-safely-easily-connect-backup-power-homes

 

[GDN]

Here’s a more complete article direct from pg&e. https://www.pgecurrents.com/article...mers-safely-easily-connect-backup-power-homes

Interesting read. It notes they teamed or partnered with industry experts, but definitely makes it sound like they've created their own device "Waiting on Patents". The article is from '22, and those timelines match Generlinks timelines. Maybe they just agreed to partner and each have their own brand or something? Or PGE took it further for neutral switching?

Interesting read for sure.

 

[ddimit]

Summer peak would be more than 60 cents when I need AC. PG&E is just horrible.

We call them Pacific Graft and Extortion

 

[jimfigler]

That’s interesting. I’ve been assuming PG&E is using Generlink products just “white labeling” them as their own. However, I have seen it written that PGE created this device on their own. I simply don’t know but from what I’ve seen and what I have, they look identical. I do know this for a fact, my Lightning powers my house no problem through the device Pg&E installed for me and also at my Mother’s house too. I tested it at my house first and then drove over to here. Her house kept popping breakers on my truck but I discovered it was because she had turned all her electric heaters on in her house during the storm. Once I turned those off the truck easily handled the usual loads from the house. Hope that helps. I’ll look For that article I mentioned. https://www.microgridknowledge.com/...-aims-for-home-resiliency-in-fire-prone-areas

Your cord looks homemade, you sure you didn't leave the ground disconnected?

 

[skytrash00]

Thank you for this thread. I have been frustrated with the cost for the upgrade for the lightning backup panel. I already have a generator backup for the house and from the post learned that I only need the NIMA extension cord to provide back up power. I don't loose power often in Oregon and am just fine running an extension cord to the bed of the truck. This will only cost me the price of the extension cord!
Way cheaper than the cost of the inverter and installation!.
Great ideas in this place.

 

[Mmiketa]

Your cord looks homemade, you sure you didn't leave the ground disconnected?

Based on the Generalink site, it looks they provide the cord since one end appears to be proprietary.

 

[Wsh68]

Your cord looks homemade, you sure you didn't leave the ground disconnected?

I did not build it. the short cord was purchased (link provided in previous posts) and the long cord was provided by PG&E. You’re welcome to come out and test it on your dime. . I have no goat in this race.

 

[Wsh68]

on a side note….i reached out to the executive at PG&E who is quoted in many of The articles and has been one of the driving forces behind V2G to let him know how pleased I was with my ability to power our property with this new system. I sent him the link so he may be a fly on the wall. He kindly responded. I’m hoping one day my Lightning can play the energy arbitrage game as we have a 14Kw solar array I’d like to use to our advantage.

 

[jimfigler]

I did not build it. the short cord was purchased (link provided in previous posts) and the long cord was provided by PG&E. You’re welcome to come out and test it on your dime. . I have no goat in this race.

No issues just wondering. Seems weird the website says it won’t work yet it does. Maybe it’s modified by pg&e to accommodate more styles of generators

 

[Wsh68]

No issues just wondering. Seems weird the website says it won’t work yet it does. Maybe it’s modified by pg&e to accommodate more styles of generators

I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. My guess is the PGE model must differ from the Generlink one.

 

[GDN]

I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. My guess is the PGE model must differ from the Generlink one.

Any chance it has the same lights and or UL label on it compared to the Gererlink?

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